Redditch advanced to the second round of the FA Trophy following a 4-2 victory in a penalty shootout against Gloucester City at the Valley Stadium on Saturday. The match ended 2-2 after regular time, with Dan Sweeney scoring a late equalizer to force the shootout.

The home side started strongly, with forward Tyler Bruck narrowly missing an early chance before opening the scoring in the 41st minute. Bruck capitalized on a cross from Szhem Whyte-Hall on the left flank to put Redditch ahead just before halftime. Shortly after the break, Bruck was involved in a key moment when he was fouled by Gloucester’s last defender, Michael O’Regan. The challenge led to O’Regan’s sending off following a confrontation.

Despite being reduced to ten men, Gloucester responded positively. Their equalizer came in the 63rd minute through Harry Williams, who finished a move past Redditch goalkeeper Rory Brown. Williams doubled his and Gloucester’s tally seven minutes later by tapping in a cross delivered by Tom Owen-Evans from the right wing.

As the match neared its conclusion, Redditch sought an equalizer, with Danny King setting up Whyte-Hall, whose attempt went just over the crossbar. However, Sweeney secured the draw for Redditch with a late goal, ensuring the fixture would be decided by penalties.

In the shootout, Redditch were flawless from the spot, converting all their attempts, while Gloucester managed only two successful penalties out of four. The victory earned Redditch progression to the next round of the competition.